Reunion at Kiln Theatre Review
Written by Adam Ryan for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content Warning: Strong language throughout with references to eating disorders, suicide, grief, sexual relationships.
Mark O’Rowe’s Reunion is a new play from 2024 which first debuted at the Galway International Arts Festival. It centres around an extended Irish family, who have travelled to a remote island to celebrate a shared anniversary. But as late afternoon rolls into evening, there is a knock at the door and things begin to shift. This seemingly happy family is tested in ways they would not have expected and are left to wonder how things will change when their trip comes to an end.
This riveting family drama is entertaining but with tension you can cut with a knife. It held my attention from start to end with relatable characters and gripping performances.
The play opens on a simple kitchen set with a backdrop of fraught violin music. Two actors are standing at opposite ends of the stage facing away from each other, giving the impression of conflict right from the offset. O’Rowe’s text begins very mundanely, with very relatable interactions between the characters. There is a good mix of those who appear more comical and add levity to the piece, such as Peter Corboy as Maurice, and those who are more passive-aggressive, such as Kate Gilmore as Marilyn. I particularly enjoyed an offhand line from Maurice about the social pressure of kissing his girlfriend. I later found out this had greater context as the play progressed.
Alongside O’Rowe’s writing, the way scenes are set up is also very effective and changes the dynamics repeatedly. The central act of Reunion is set at night, allowing different characters to enter and exit effortlessly and allow conversations to occur in private which may not have done so otherwise. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Gina (Catherine Walker) and Felix (Stephen Brennan) and how this came to affect later parts of the play. With such a large ensemble it would have been very easy for the quieter characters to be lost in the hubbub, but moments like these allowed you to connect with everyone on that slightly deeper level. This really heightened the stakes as the drama unfolded.
The whole cast delivered strong, convincing performances throughout - bringing real weight to the explosive confrontations while also giving space for the lighter and quieter moments. As emotions bubble to the surface you could see the progression and also understand each character’s perspective. Aislín McGuckin as matriarch Elaine struck this balance particularly well. Each actor also felt fully present in their role, and together they created an ensemble that maintained the tension and kept the emotions believable from start to finish. They really kept me on tenterhooks.
Reunion is a realistic play that explores ideas of family, conflict, and how complex adult relationships can be tested. With smart writing, simple staging, and a fantastic cast, it leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s the explosive arguments between Janice (Venetia Bowe) and Marilyn (Kate Gilmore) or the quieter conversations between Maurice (Peter Corboy) and Holly (Simone Collins), this new drama from Mark O’Rowe left me wanting to know more.
Reunion is playing the Kiln Theatre from the 19th September 2025 – 11th October 2025.
★★★★★
